Howard Will Wait to Make Right Decision

Milani Beaudrault

07/02/2011

At 5-11 and 175 pounds, Tracy Howard says it is his instincts that make him so valuable to college teams and adds, he has the physical ability to react immediately on the playing field. While Howard knows he has the speed to compete he admits the competition in college will be tough, "Guys in college are bigger than me, I want to add 10-15 more pounds and physically get better," Howard added.

Tracy Howard is one of the most physical defensive backs in the 2012 recruiting class and college coaches are taking note. Howard says he does not have a top five but he doesn't deny a few teams are standing out.

The University of Miami is in Howard's backyard, something Howard says he will consider when making his commitment.

"If I go to Miami, I don't have to leave to play football and my family could come to all of the games. Miami has a good history of putting guys in the league, which is definitely a positive. They have good coaching and I know a lot of players that play at Miami and in the area. I know all of the places to go and I'm comfortable with the Miami area," Howard said.

Howard says distance from home will not be a factor in his decision but he doesn't want to "go on the other side of the World." Howard adds, this decision will affect his entire life and says he will do what is best for him.

Another in state program Howard is considering is the University of Florida.

"I like the coaching staff at Florida a lot, we have great relationships especially Coach T-Rob, we talk a lot on the phone. And the defensive schemes at Florida are very similar to the schemes we use at my high school so it wouldn't be much different; I would be comfortable with that. The Gators come to play and I like that about them," Howard said.

Howard has visited the University of Florida and says he can picture himself living in Gainesville.

"The Florida campus was big and beautiful and The Swamp was unlike any other place. I stay in the city but I like Gainesville, it's a little bit in the country and I think it's the right town for me," Howard said.

Going further north in the Sunshine state, Howard says he likes what he sees from Florida State.

"I think the defense FSU runs is the best in the ACC and one of the best in college football. They have a lot of history with recent corners succeeding in their program and in the NFL. My sister is going to FAMU so I plan on taking a visit once she is up there," Howard said.

Howards says he "doesn't know much" about the programs at Alabama, LSU, and Notre Dame but adds, he is planning on taking visits this summer or fall.

"I don't know much about Bama other than what I see on TV. They are one of the most aggressive teams in college and Coach Saban is one of the most popular coaches in college football and he has a great connection with the NFL," Howard said. "LSU is another school I don't know much about, but I am planning on taking an official visit there to learn more," Howard added.

Howard says Notre Dame has recently reached out to him and adds, "they talk to me a lot, I don't know much about them but the coaches want me to come up and see the campus."

Howard plans to announce an official top five by the end of the summer and hopes to commit by mid-season or on signing day. Howard says, this is an important process and adds, "I don't want to move too fast."